Improvement in thread-cutting devices for sewing-machines



UNITED STATES PATENT QEEIGE.

FRED. H. FURNISS, OF WATERLOO, NEW YORK.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 116,424, dated-June 27,1.871.

To all ywhom 'it may concern.'

Be it known that I, FRED. H. FURNISS, of Waterloo, in the county ofSeneca and State of New York, have invented a new and useful Improvementin Combined Cloth-Presser Foot and Cutter for Sewing-Machines, of whichthe following is a specification This invention consists of thecombination of a cutter, a spring, and a thumb-lever, as hereinaft-erdescribed7 with the presser-foot of a sewingmachine.

In the drawing, Figures l, 2, 3, and 4 exhibit different but equivalentforms of my improvement.

In Fig. 1,Arepresents an ordinary cloth presser foot of asewing-machine, and B its shaft. These are connected with the workin gparts in the usual Way. C represents a cutter, which is pivoted at a onthe top of the presser-foot, the blade conforming closely to the uppersurface of the foot, and sweeping over the needle-slot b so as to cutthe thread that rests therein when it is operated. This cutter isoperated at any time to cut the thread b y means of a thumb-lever, D,within convenient reach ofthe operator. This lever is shown as pivotedat c, with a point, d, that engages with a projection, j', of thecutter, and connecting at the top with a liat spring, g, by whichitreceives its reaction. In Figs. 2, 3, and 4 are shown modications ofthe device, equivalents of each other anl of the one shown in Fig. l. InFig. 2 the entier is lettered C1, and connects with a rod, h, Wil chruns down through the hollow shaft of the presserfoot A and is held byan inclosed spring, g1. In Fig. 3 the free end of the cutter C2 isturned up to form a thumb-piece, D2, and rests against the spring g2,the forward end of the said cutter being pivoted. In Fig. 4 the cuttersC2 resemble a pair of shears in their action, and are pivoted to thepresser-foot, the two arms being bent or turned up so as to form.thumb-pieces or bearings D3, and are connected together by a spring, g3,which holds them open. This arrangement of the cutter or cutters is agreat convenience in cutting thread when it is desired to do so, as theupper or needle-thread always rests in the needleslot b, and the meresweep of either of the cutters employed across the slot will .alwayssever it. To cut the lower or shuttleth read the cloth has only to beraised so as to draw the thread into the slot, when it is severed in thesame manner. The close conformation of lit of the cutter or cutters tothe surface of the presserfoot is essential to cut the thread perfectly.The thumb-lever in each is necessary to operate the cutter; the springis desirable to produce the proper reaction and to retain the cutter inposition.

It will be readily understood that, if desired, either of the cuttersmay be placed on the bottom instead ofthe top of the presser-foot,though the same would not be quite so convenient in use. Either of thesedevices or their equivalents, when properly applied to a presser-foot,will be in compact compass, and not in the way, and obviates thenecessity of breaking the thread by hand or cutting it with scissors.Itis evident that the side of the slot b will form the stationary shearfor the cutting action of the blade.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire tosecure by Letters Patent, is-

The cutter C, spring g, and thumb-lever D, constructed as described, incombination with the presser-foot of a sewing-machine, substantially asand for the purpose speciied.

In witness whereof I have `hereunto set my hand this 18th day of March,1871.

FRED. H. FURNISS.

Witnesses:

R. F. OsGooD, J. S. GONE.

